A general election has been called for Thursday 4 July by prime minister Rishi Sunak today (May 22).

The PM had said earlier in 2024 an election would be called in the second half of the year.

Parliament will be dissolved by May 30 ahead of residents going to the polls.

Currently, Labour is around 20 points ahead in the polls, with Keir Starmer widely expected to become the next prime minister.

Currently, Labour is around 20 points ahead in the polls, with Keir Starmer widely expected to become the next prime minister (Wiki Commons).

Government insiders suggest Sunak had been persuaded top call for July 4 due to the economic backdrop unlikely to significantly improve before the autumn.

A 2024 general election had been expected to take place this October/November.

In his speech today Mr Sunak said: "Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future."